Prague has opened Štvanice Footbridge. Its opening creates a series of new routes for cycling

Constructed from ultra-high-strength concrete, the footbridge spans 187 meters over the Vltava River. The ramp arm leading to Štvanice adds an additional 55 meters. The bridge operates as a walkway with permission for cycling. Its width is 4 meters, the same as the Trojská Footbridge that opened in 2020.

On both banks, the bridge connects to newly modified roads. In Karlín, it joins the expanded cycle route A2. In Holešovice, the bridge leads to Bubenské nábřeží with widened sidewalks that allow cyclists, and cycling lanes.

The construction of the bridge, funded by the capital city, amounted to 352 million CZK. The authors of its design are Petr Tej, Marek Blank, Jan Mourek, and Vít Najvárek, and the realization was carried out by the company Skanska a.s. The sculptures and ornaments were created by Aleš Hvízdal and Jan Hendrych.

The bridge was ceremoniously opened today at 12:00 by Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda (ODS), Deputy Mayor for Transportation Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates), Deputy Mayor for Territorial and Strategic Development Petr Hlaváček (STAN), Deputy Mayor of Prague 7 Lenka Burgerová (Praha sobě), Mayor of Prague 8 Ondřej Gros (ODS), representatives of municipal companies and builders, bridge architects Petr Tej and Marek Blank, as well as Adam Scheinherr (Praha sobě), former Deputy Mayor for Transportation. Jan Hendrych, the author of the sculpture called „Řeka“ (River), located near the entrance to the bridge from Štvanice Island, was also present.

„Štvanice Bridge is undoubtedly a beneficial construction. Firstly, it will improve the connection between Karlín and Holešovice, simplifying and enhancing the lives of many people, which is always a good thing. Moreover, from the perspective of the approaches used, it is a unique structure, and after recent stress tests, I hope it is also a safe one. Additionally, it aligns with the concept of a city of short distances,“ stated Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda (ODS) during the opening. He also emphasized that it is a good example of how the capital city focuses on the development of all types of transport, including pedestrian and cycling traffic.

Along with the bridge, several other details were addressed. For instance, the bridge features the first example of a new urban navigation system. „To aid better orientation, prototypes of the new urban navigation system, namely an obelisk and a directional sign, are part of the project ‚Čitelná Praha‘ [Readable Prague],“ added Zdeněk Hřib (Pirates), Deputy Mayor for Transportation. He further added, „I would like to thank all those who contributed to the realization of this unique bridge, which often encountered entirely new situations that needed to be addressed. It is also important to acknowledge all the institutions for their careful coordination of surrounding terrain modifications and other ongoing constructions on both sides of the river throughout the construction period. As a result, we have everything completed at once, without unnecessary further disruption.“

Cycling connections

The new bridge has created a fast and convenient north-south cycling link, allowing cyclists to travel from Karlín through Holešovice all the way to Troja without the need to enter car traffic. The bridge thus opens up opportunities for several new cycling connections between Karlín and Holešovice, and potentially even Žižkov, which is within reach through the Karlín Tunnel. These connections will be complemented in the autumn by the planned passage through Bubny Railway Station, providing a comfortable link between Holešovice, Bubny, and Letná.

To a certain extent, this is an absolutely essential construction that can have an unusually positive impact on the development of pedestrian and cycling transportation in this part of the city. It creates possibilities for passages that were never accessible here before.